BPS
Elementary
Art
Curriculum
Grade 3
Peek-A-Boo Portraits
Content Connections:
Writing Process – prewriting, writing,
editing, proofreading, publishing
Math – measurement, symmetry
Literature Connection – Winners Never
Quit by Mia Hamm – The message of this
book is setting goals, and working hard to
meet your goals.
Oil Pastels
Art Standards:
Art K-4 Standard 1.1 - Know the different techniques
used to create visual art.
Art K-4. Standard1.4 Know how different visual art
materials, techniques, and processes cause different
responses.
Art K_4 Standard 5 - Reflecting upon and assessing the
characteristics and merits of their work and the work of
others.
Art K-4 Standard 6 - Making connections between visual
arts and other disciplines.
Content Standards:
ELA -03.W.03 Write narratives to develop real or
imagined experiences or events using effective
techniques, descriptive details, and clear event
sequences.
Art Elements
Art Principles
__Line
__Pattern
X_Shape/Form
__Rhythm/movement
X_Color
_X_Proportion/Scale
__Value
__Balance
__Texture
__Unity
X_Space/Perspective
__Emphasis
Math 3 Standard 2: Student understands and applies
geometric concepts and spatial relationships to
represent and solve problems in mathematical and
nonmathematical situations
21st Century Skills
Creativity and Innovation – Exploration and
Imagination. Refining and improving original ideas.
Communication – The ability to read, write, present, and
comprehend ideas, through a variety of mediums and
audiences.
Vocabulary:
Oil Pastels, blending, self-portrait, and
symmetry
I Can Statements
I can write a story about something that has
happened or a made up story.
I can use oil pastels to create a self-portrait.
Preparation
Gather copies of self-portraits for opening discussion on what a selfportrait is.
If desired, run off the writing PDF for this project.
Lesson - This Lesson was derived from the following website.
http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2012/08/peek-self-portrait.html
I can demonstrate how to blend colors using
oil pastels.
The printable PDF can be found at
I can create facial features that are
symmetrical and proportionate in size.
http://artprojectsforkids.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/PeekFace-Portrait.pdf
Teacher Background Knowledge
1. Complete the writing process first.
You may select a narrative writing for
the project. You might also want to
have the students write down yearly
goals. Having the students write a
poem about themselves in another
idea for the writing connection.
2. Have a few self -portraits for students to view. What
similarities and differences do they have? Define what a
self-portrait is. Go over the parts of the face with the
students. Explain that they will be creating parts of their
own self-portrait today and a complete self-portrait at a
later date.
A self-portrait is a picture, depicting
the artist as the subject and created
by the artist. Elementary-school
students are just starting to
understand their personal
characteristics. A self-portrait art
project is a great way to help
students learn more about the parts
of the face and how to illustrate
themselves.
3. Discuss symmetry and congruent shapes of the eyes,
eyebrows and ears. Start by drawing the eyes in pencil,
just above the sheet of paper. The two eyes should
always be one eye-width apart. Use a ruler to measure
the eyes and the distance between the eyes.
Oil pastels can be blended or left
alone to create distinct lines.
Smudges may appear as students
handle their paper. An eraser will
easily erase these smudges.
4. Draw the top of the head, almost touching the top of the
paper.
5. Draw the rest of the face and fingers on the side.
6. Use oil pastels to complete the self-portrait. This is a
great lesson to introduce blending of the colors
especially with the hair color, and as they create their
background.
7. Have the students create another self-portrait at a later
date so they will have a completed self-portrait. They will
allow them to add details such as prints on their clothing,
or jewelry they might be wearing.
Assessment
Name___________________Lesson______________________
Thumbs
Down
Don’t
Know
Thumbs
Up
Assessment Question
Did you use your personal best during this lesson?
Did you actively listen and follow directions?
Did you use your creativity? (is it original?)
Did you complete your project?
Did you incorporate the art media?
Does the artwork show the elements and/or principles
discussed?